What should you do before removing guarding from a jammed belt drive?

Before removing guarding from a jammed belt drive, it is essential to shut off and lock out the nearest stop switch. This procedure is crucial for ensuring the safety of all personnel involved in the operation and maintenance of machinery. Locking out the stop switch effectively de-energizes the equipment, preventing any unexpected start-up or movement while the guarding is removed. This step significantly reduces the risk of injury that could occur from accidental movement of the belt drive or related machinery.

While notifying the mine official, ensuring no one is nearby, and inspecting the jam visually are important safety considerations, they do not replace the critical first step of locking out the equipment. Implementing a lockout/tagout procedure is a fundamental safety practice in any mining operation, and it safeguards workers by ensuring that the machinery cannot operate while they are addressing the jam.